Fluid container with check valve

ABSTRACT

A fluid container has a first and second flexible membrane forming at least one chamber, a channel configured to receive pressurized inert gas, and one or more check valve assemblies disposed therebetween. The one or more check valve assemblies is formed from a continuous third flexible membrane folded at an apex, and configured to provide the flow of pressurized fluid in one direction upon inflation, from the channel to the at least one chamber, while restricting flow in the opposite direction. The one or more check valve assemblies are characterized in that they do not require pre-printing or electronic registering, thus allowing for an inflation flow rate of at least twice that of conventional inflatable packaging systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/904,954, filed Sep. 24, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to containers, packaging elements, andpackages specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damagethrough the use of inflatable elements filled with fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous industries today use inflatable packaging systems as a way tocushion and protect their goods from being damaged during the shippingprocess. These packaging systems are typically made from flat sheets ofthermoplastic, which are layered and joined together to form roll stock.The sheets are typically oriented one on top of the other, then joinedby heat sealing along the periphery and at various locations within theperiphery to form design features therein. Once formed, roll stock maybe further modified to ensure that the packaging system adequatelyconforms to the size and shape of a particular good, once the packagingsystem is inflated and made ready for shipping. This approach allowsconventional packaging systems to meet the size and shape requirementsof a variety of goods, such as consumer electronics, glassware, printercartridges, and other products that are fragile or otherwise prone todamage during shipping.

Conventional inflatable packaging systems exhibit similar structuralfeatures. In particular, conventional designs are characterized by alinear array of cylindrically-shaped, inflatable chambers, and one ormore check valves positioned at the opening of each chamber. Theinflatable chambers may include openings to allow fluid communicationbetween adjacent chambers, or alternatively, the chambers may be formedto hold fluid independently from one another. The check valvesphysically separate the opening of each inflatable chamber from a commoninflatable channel. When the packaging system is inflated, the commoninflatable channel receives pressurized fluid at one end of the channeland uniformly distributes that fluid to each chamber through the valves.The valves are generally purposed to restrict the flow of fluid to onedirection, effectively allowing fluid to enter, but not escape from,each air chamber. A variety of check valve designs are known in the art;these valves are typically defined by additional layers of plastic thatform a path for fluid to flow from the channel to each chamber, andfurther defined by localized features introduced within that air path todirect, restrict, or otherwise control, the flow of fluid through thevalve. The localized features are typically pre-printed, which involvesapplying thermally-resistant paint at predetermined locations on aplastic sheet, prior to applying heat, so that thermal bonding occurs incertain areas and not in others. These structural features, as well asothers, are formed during the manufacturing process that results in rollstock.

FIG. 1 provides a plan view of a conventional inflatable packagingsystem 10, representative of the prior art, having an inflation channel11, a check valve body 12, and a plurality of linear-arrayed fluidchambers 13. Packaging system 10 is formed from first and second layers18, 19. Fluid chambers 13 are separated by side portions 14. Check valvebody 12 includes localized features 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, and 15 d, whichrestrict fluid flow to one direction through the valve body 12. Eachfluid chamber 13 is further characterized by a top 16 a and a bottom 16b. Additionally, conventional inflatable packaging system 10 includes acontinuous seal 16 that connects top 16 a to one or more layers 18, 19.

Several problems exist with check valves used in conventional inflatablepackaging systems. First, the pre-printed, localized features formingthe valve must be electronically registered so that they align preciselyto each inflatable chamber and to related components. Several factorscontribute to misalignment during the manufacturing of roll stock; forexample, heat sealing results in plastic deformation and the associatedexpansion and contraction of the sheets. Conventional designs aretherefore subject to improper registration, rendering misaligned valvesinoperative. Second, pre-printing requires specialized formingequipment, which would otherwise not be necessary. Third, conventionalcheck valve designs significantly restrict fluid flow through the valve;fluid flow is particularly restricted at the valve inlet, where heatsealing elements are required to properly form the connection betweenthe inflatable channel, the check valve, and the air chamber. Thisrestricted flow results in longer times needed to fill the inflatablepackaging system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages of the prior art related to conventional inflatablepackaging systems are solved by an apparatus, system and methodaccording to the invention.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the need forpre-printing check valve features used to make conventional roll stock,resulting in a simpler manufacturing process and an inflatable packagingsystem that is less prone to failure and inoperability associated withmisplaced check valve features.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the need forspecialized equipment required to electronically register pre-printedvalve features, resulting in a simpler manufacturing process and a lowercapital cost needed for manufacturing equipment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatablepackaging device that inflates at least twice as fast as (or in at mosthalf the time as) conventional packaging systems, afforded by a checkvalve design that accepts a higher flow rate than its conventionalequivalent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will bemade to the following Description of the Embodiments, which is to beread in association with the accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, showcertain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, togetherwith the description, help explain some of the principles associatedwith the disclosed implementations, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a conventional inflatable packagingsystems in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view providing thearrangement of superposed flexible membranes in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view providing thearrangement of a plurality of bonded portions in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view showing the foldedorientation of a third flexible membrane in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of manufactured rollstock in accordance with an embodiment of present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an inflated fluid container with check valve productaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic perspective view providing thearrangement of superposed flexible membranes in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view providing thearrangement of a plurality of bonded portions in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a partially formedroll stock having a continuous outer membrane with an indented endportion provided along the channel, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic perspective view showing the foldedorientation of a third flexible membrane in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view showing the foldedorientation of a third flexible membrane in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic perspective view of manufactured rollstock in accordance with an embodiment of present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates an inflated fluid container with check valve productaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a rectangular fluid containerproduct.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals represent like elements throughout. While theinvention has been described in detail with respect to the preferredembodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that upon reading andunderstanding of the foregoing, certain variations to the preferredembodiments will become apparent, which variations are nonethelesswithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as morethan one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or asmore than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Reference throughout this document to “some embodiments”, “oneembodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar termsmeans that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive ormeaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any ofthe following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. Anexception to this definition will occur only when a combination ofelements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutuallyexclusive.

The drawings featured in the figures are provided for the purposes ofillustrating some embodiments of the present invention, and are not tobe considered as limitation thereto. Term “means” preceding a presentparticiple of an operation indicates a desired function for which thereis one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, orapparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled inthe art could select from these or their equivalent in view of thedisclosure herein and use of the term “means” is not intended to belimiting.

The term “bond,” refers to connecting two or more flexible membranes toform an impermeable fluid separation, at a localized portion of the twoor more flexible membranes, by the application of heating sealing,welding, gluing, laser welding, or any combination thereof.

The term “flexible membrane” refers most commonly to plastics, andthermoplastics in particular, such as co-laminates of polyethylene andco-laminates of polyethylene and nylon, but also includes any membranecapable of forming an impermeable barrier.

The term “pre-printing” refers to the application of fluidic materialhaving a high thermal resistance to predetermined portions of thesurface of a thermoplastic sheet to form localized points of separationbetween adjacent thermoplastic sheets, after heat sealing occurs.

The term “register” refers to precisely locating a pretreated surface ofa thermoplastic sheet with respect to the two bonding portions formingeither side of a fluid chamber, such that the check valve and relatedcomponents operate in a manner consistent with the design intent.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 14, a fluid container apparatus,system and method is generally shown as element 100. Fluid container 100may take the form of either roll stock, as represented in FIGS. 5 and12, or a modified roll stock embodied as a rectangular fluid containerproduct 190 for inserting a good to be shipped therein, as representedin FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 6, fluid container 100 may include one ormore chambers 140, a channel 160, a first check valve assembly 130, anda second check valve assembly 131. Referring to FIG. 13, fluid container100 may alternatively include a continuous flexible membrane 171. Fluidcontainer 100 may further include first, second, and third flexiblemembranes, 101, 102, and 103, respectively, as may be seen in FIGS. 1-4.In an alternative embodiment, fluid container 100 may include acontinuous flexible membrane 170 and third flexible membrane 103, as maybe seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. Moreover, third flexible membrane 103 may bealternated to facilitate ease of manufacturing, including but notlimited to being formed from separate sheets and bonded together. Aswill be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the fluid container 100may include flexible-membrane materials derived from hydrocarbons, oralternative materials, such as renewable bio-sourced matter. By the sametoken, one skilled in the art will recognize that fluid container 100may be inflated using any inert gas, including air.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, fluid container 100 may be formed from flatsheets of prefabricated flexible membrane, namely first, second, andthird flexible membranes, 101, 102, and 103, respectively. The initiallyflat sheets may be cut to size and superposed in the manner shown inFIG. 2, to be fed in a manufacturing flow direction indicated by anarrow M. On one side, first flexible membrane 101 may include a firstinner chamber surface 101 a, a first inner valve surface 101 c, and afirst inner channel surface 101 e. On an opposite side, first flexiblemembrane 101 may include a first outer chamber surface 101 b, a firstouter valve surface 101 d, and a first outer channel surface 101 f. Anupper exterior edge 105 may be disposed at an end of the first flexiblemembrane 101. In a similar manner, one side of second flexible membrane102 may include a second inner chamber surface 102 a, a second innervalve surface 102 c, and a second inner channel surface 102 e. On anopposite side, second flexible membrane 102 may include a second outerchamber surface 102 b, a second outer valve surface 102 d, and a secondouter channel surface 102 f. Furthermore, a lower exterior edge may bedisposed at an end of the second flexible membrane 102. Similarly, oneside of third flexible membrane 103 may include a third upper chambersurface 103 a, a third lower chamber surface 103 c, and a third middlechamber surface 103 e. On an opposite side, third flexible membrane 103may include a third upper valve surface 103 b, a third lower valvesurface 103 d, and a third middle channel surface 103 f. Additionally,third flexible membrane 103 may include an upper interior edge 104 atone end, and a lower interior edge 106 formed at an opposite end.

Importantly, the aforementioned surfaces of first, second, and thirdflexible membranes, 101, 102, and 103 are defined by each membrane'sorientation and superposition with respect to each other. These definedsurfaces may vary in area and linear dimension, depending on theparticular application and end result desired. For example, a firstoverlap portion 110 depends on the linear dimension defined between theupper interior edge 104 and the lower exterior edge 107. Similarly, asecond overlap portion 111 depends on the linear dimension definedbetween the upper exterior edge 105 and the lower interior edge 106. Andfurthermore, a middle overlap portion 112 depends on the lineardimension defined between the upper exterior edge 105 and the lowerexterior edge 107.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a plurality of upper bonded portions 134 a maybe formed on the first overlap portion 110, and a plurality of lowerbonded portions 134 b may be formed on the second overlap portion 112.These bonded portions 134 a, 134 b are shown as linear segments orientedso that the broad portion of each segment faces the direction of fluidflow, as will be described in more detail. The bonded portions 134 a,134 b may be of any shape, oriented with respect to the direction offluid flow in any orientation, and arrayed in any formation on the firstand second overlap portions 110, 112. The bonded portions 134 a, 134 bmay be formed between the respective membranes to couple the membranesat localized portions, to form an impermeable barrier that operates toinhibit the flow of fluid across the localized portion.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the third flexible membrane 103 is shown foldedover such that upper interior edge 104 substantially superposes lowerinterior edge 106, forming an apex 164 along a portion of the thirdmiddle chamber surface 103 e. As a result, first flexible membrane 101substantially superposes second flexible membrane 102 such that upperexterior edge 105 may be positioned adjacent to lower exterior edge 107.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, first and second flexible membranes 101,102 are bonded along a periphery 108 that may include a channel inlet161. First and second flexible membranes 101, 102 may further form atleast one chamber 140 and a channel 160. It should be noted that FIG. 5shows a version of roll stock, which may be further modified throughmanufacturing processes to include one or more side portions 142, one ormore pathways 143, one or more middle articulation points 144, and oneor more side articulation points 145; the roll stock may or may notinclude these features. In an alternative embodiment, one or more middlearticulation points 144 may extend across the entire width of a chamber140 to prevent fluid from entering a portion of the chamber. The sidepotions 142 may form a continuous bond through all membranes lyingtherein, and the side portions terminate on one end defined by theintersection of the side portions 142 with apex 164. In anotherembodiment, the side portions 142 form nonlinear bonds, including butnot limited to, bonds forming arcuate shapes, ellipsoidal shapes, andshapes generally disposed non-orthogonally with respect to the fluidcontainer 100. In one embodiment, a plurality of chambers 140 mayinclude similarly-distanced respective side portions 142, so that therespective volume of each chamber 140 is about the same. In analternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a wide chamber 148 may beformed, having side portions 142 spaced apart at a different dimensionthen the side portions that form a narrow chamber 149. One skilled inthe art will appreciate that side portions 142 may be formed in anymanner suitable for the intended application and good to be storedwithin fluid container 100.

Referring to FIG. 6, a fluid container 100 is shown. Fluid container 100may be configured to receive compressed fluid from the channel inlet161, as is represented by the flow arrow therein. Channel 160 comprisesbulkhead 162 formed at the third middle channel surface 103 f, firstinner channel surface 101 e, and second inner channel surface 102 e. Inone embodiment, upper exterior edge 105 and lower exterior edge 107 arebonded together to form end portion 163; in an alternative embodiment,as shown in FIG. 9, channel 160 is a preconnected channel 172, formed bythe continuous flexible membrane 170, where end portion 163 is formedfrom a single sheet from first, second, and third creases 173, 174, and175, respectively. In the latter embodiment, associated components suchas chamber 140 are also formed using continuous flexible membrane 170.FIG. 6 also shows first and second valve assemblies 130 and 131, whichmay include first and second valve bodies 132 and 133, respectively.First valve body 130 may be formed by third upper valve surface 103 b,first inner valve surface 101 c and may include a plurality of upperbonded portions 134 a. Second valve body 131 may be formed by thirdlower valve surface 103 d, second inner valve surface 102 c and mayinclude a plurality of lower bonded portions 134 b. In an alternativeembodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a valve body including plurality ofbonded portions 134 a is formed on one side of the fluid container 100;the other side of fluid container 100 then may include continuouslybonded seal 171, which restricts fluid flow through that side. One ormore chambers 140 may similarly be formed by the first inner chambersurface 101 a, the third upper chamber surface 103 a, the third middlechamber surface 103 e, the third lower chamber surface 103 c, and thesecond inner chamber surface 102 a. Furthermore, the one or morechambers terminate along a closed bottom portion 141.

Referring again to FIG. 6, as compressed fluid enters fluid container100, channel 160 begins to inflate. As compressed fluid continues toenter fluid container 100, fluid permeates through first and secondvalve bodies 132 and 133, to then flow into the space defined by one ormore chambers 140, resulting in the inflation and pressurization of theone of more chambers 140. Once the one or more chambers 140 aresufficiently filled, pressurization of chamber 140 urges the valvebodies to close along the fluid path, which restricts fluid flow byprohibiting fluid exfiltration through the first and second check valveassemblies. Generally speaking, the directional arrows shown in FIGS. 6and 13 represent streamlines of fluid permeating through the fluidcontainer 100 as it inflates. Importantly, the design of fluid container100 obviates the need of continuous seal 17 as shown in FIG. 1 PRIORART, thereby providing check valve assemblies 130, 131, with thecapability of at least doubling the air flow volume (e.g., cubic feetper minute, or CFM), and a corresponding reduction in the requiredinflation time to at most half of the time required by conventionalinflatable packing. The fluid container 100 is an article of manufactureor product that can be made by the method of the present invention.Advantageously, the fluid container apparatus, system and method 100eliminates layers and structures thereby reducing material costs, waste,and additional steps in the manufacture.

Referring to FIG. 14, a rectangular fluid container product 190 is shownin an inflated configuration, wherein a plurality of chambers 140 arefully inflated. Rectangular fluid container product 190 may includemodifications to roll stock, for example with one or more side portions142 and one or more middle articulation points 144, as previouslyexplained with reference to FIG. 5. The plurality of bonded portions134, third flexible membrane 103, and related components may be locatedsubstantially as shown, but also may be located along a differentportion of the rectangular fluid container product 190. Goods may bestored in an interior space surrounded by chambers 140 through anopening (not shown) formed near channel 160.

While certain configurations of structures have been illustrated for thepurposes of presenting the basic structures of the present invention,one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other variationsare possible which would still fall within the scope of the appendedclaims. Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details and representativeembodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid container apparatus, inflatable by acompressed inert gas, for protecting a product therein, comprising:first and second flexible membranes superposed with each other, each ofsaid flexible membranes including an outer surface having a channelportion, a chamber portion, and a valve portion disposed therebetween,and an inner surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion, and avalve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of said portions ofsaid outer surface correspond to like portions of said inner surface,each of said inner surfaces of said first and second flexible membranesare oriented to face each other, and wherein said membranes are sealedalong a periphery having a channel inlet configured to receive thecompressed inert gas; a third flexible membrane including an uppersurface, and a lower surface having upper and lower valve portions, anda middle channel portion disposed therebetween, said upper valve portionhaving an upper interior edge, said lower valve having a lower interioredge disposed opposite said upper interior edge, wherein said uppervalve portion operatively connects to said valve portion of said firstflexible membrane, said third flexible membrane being folded so thatsaid lower valve portion faces and operatively connects to said valveportion of said second flexible membrane, and wherein the folding ofsaid third flexible membrane forms an apex that bisections said channelportion; at least one chamber formed by said chamber portions of saidfirst and second membranes and said upper surface of said third flexiblemembrane, a channel formed by said channel portions of said first andsecond membranes, said middle channel portion of said third flexiblemembrane, and said channel inlet; and at least one first check valveassembly including a first valve body formed by said upper valve portionof said third flexible membrane and said valve portion of said firstflexible membrane, said check valve assembly further characterized by aplurality of upper bonded portions disposed within at least a portion ofsaid valve body, wherein said check valve assembly is configured toallow compressed inert gas to flow from said channel to said at leastone chamber when the fluid container apparatus is being inflated, andwherein said check valve assembly inhibits the flow of compressed inertgas from said at least one chamber to said channel once the fluidcontainer apparatus is inflated.
 2. The fluid container apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said channel is configured to supply thecompressed inert gas to said at least one check valve at a formpressure.
 3. The fluid container apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid first and second flexible membranes are bonded together atpredetermined side portions to form a plurality of chambers.
 4. Thefluid container apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said pluralityof chambers form independent chambers configured to inhibit fluidcommunication between said plurality of chambers.
 5. The fluid containerapparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of said sideportions further comprise a pathway configured to allow fluidcommunication between adjacent chambers of the plurality of chambers. 6.The fluid container apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least onechamber of the plurality of chambers comprises side portions located ata first distance, and a separate chamber of the plurality of chamberscomprises side portions located at a second distance, wherein said firstdistance differs from said second distance.
 7. The fluid containerapparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one chamber of saidplurality of chambers further comprises a middle articulation point. 8.The fluid container apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said middlearticulation point extends across a portion of said at least one chamberof said plurality of chambers.
 9. The fluid container apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein said middle articulation point extendsacross the entirety of said at least one chamber of said plurality ofchambers.
 10. The fluid container apparatus according to claim 7,wherein said middle articulation point forms a convex angle with respectto the outer surfaces of said fluid container.
 11. The fluid containerapparatus according to claim 7, wherein said middle articulation pointforms a concave angle with respect to the outer surfaces of said fluidcontainer.
 12. The fluid container apparatus according to claim 1further comprising at least one second check valve assembly including asecond valve body formed by said lower valve portion of said thirdflexible membrane and said valve portion of said second flexiblemembrane, said check valve assembly further characterized by a pluralityof lower bonded portions disposed within at least a portion of saidsecond valve body.
 13. A method of manufacturing roll stock, comprisingthe steps of: providing first and second flexible membranes, each ofsaid flexible membranes comprising: an outer surface having a channelportion, a chamber portion, and a valve portion disposed therebetween,and an inner surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion, and avalve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of said portions ofsaid outer surface correspond to like portions of said inner surface,and wherein said inner channel portion of said first flexible membranehas an upper exterior edge, and said inner channel portion of saidsecond flexible membrane has a lower exterior edge; providing a thirdflexible membrane comprising: an upper surface, and a lower surfacehaving upper and lower valve portions, and a middle channel portiondisposed therebetween, said upper valve portion having an upper interioredge, said lower valve having a lower interior edge disposed oppositesaid upper interior edge; superposing said first, second, and thirdflexible members forming: a first overlap portion comprising said uppervalve portion of said third flexible membrane overlapping said innervalve portion of said first flexible membrane, a second overlap portioncomprising said lower valve portion of said third flexible membraneoverlapping said inner valve portion of said second flexible membrane,and a middle overlap portion comprising said channel portion of saidouter surface of said first flexible membrane overlapping said channelportion of said inner surface of said second flexible membrane, whereinsaid middle channel portion of said lower surface of said third flexiblemembrane is defined by the distance between said upper exterior edge ofsaid first flexible membrane and said lower exterior edge of said secondflexible membrane; bonding said first overlap portion at a plurality ofupper bonded locations to form a first check valve assembly; bondingsaid second overlap portion at a plurality of lower bonded locations toform a second check valve assembly; folding said upper surface tosuperpose said upper interior edge above said lower interior edge toform an apex bisecting said middle channel portion of said thirdflexible membrane; and bonding said first and second flexible membranesalong a periphery having a channel inlet configured to receivecompressed inert gas, thereby forming: at least one chamber comprisingsaid chamber portions of said first and second membranes and said uppersurface of said third flexible membrane, and a channel comprising saidchannel portions of said first and second membranes, said middle channelportion of said third flexible membrane, and said channel inlet.
 14. Themethod as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step of: bondingsaid first and second flexible membranes together at predetermined sideportions to form a plurality of chambers.
 15. A fluid container made bythe method of claim
 13. 16. A fluid container made by the method ofclaim
 14. 17. A fluid container apparatus, inflatable by a compressedinert gas, for protecting a product therein, comprising: a continuousflexible membrane comprising a first half and a second half superposedwith each other, each of said halves including: an outer surface havinga channel portion, a chamber portion, and a valve portion disposedtherebetween, and an inner surface having a channel portion, a chamberportion, and a valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of saidportions of said outer surface correspond to like portions of said innersurface, each of said inner surfaces of said first and second halves areoriented to face each other, and wherein said membranes are sealed alonga periphery having a channel inlet configured to receive the compressedinert gas; a third flexible membrane including an upper surface, and alower surface having upper and lower valve portions, and a middlechannel portion disposed therebetween, said upper valve portion havingan upper interior edge, said lower valve having a lower interior edgedisposed opposite said upper interior edge, wherein said upper valveportion operatively connects to said valve portion of said first half,said third flexible membrane being folded so that said lower valveportion faces and operatively connects to said valve portion of saidsecond half, and wherein the folding of said third flexible membraneforms an apex that bisections said channel portion; at least one chamberformed by said chamber portions of said first and second halves and saidupper surface of said third flexible membrane, a channel formed by saidchannel portions of said first and second halves, said middle channelportion of said third flexible membrane, and said channel inlet; and atleast one first check valve assembly including a first valve body formedby said upper valve portion of said third flexible membrane and saidvalve portion of said first half, said check valve assembly furthercharacterized by a plurality of upper bonded portions disposed within atleast a portion of said valve body, wherein said check valve assembly isconfigured to allow compressed inert gas to flow from said channel tosaid at least one chamber when the fluid container apparatus is beinginflated, and wherein said check valve assembly inhibits the flow ofcompressed inert gas from said at least one chamber to said channel oncethe fluid container apparatus is inflated.